Cancer & Lymphedema

During or following cancer treatment, our therapists work with you to maintain and regain:

Range of motion

Muscle strength

Conditioning

Lymphedema

The human body is composed of two circulatory systems. One that carries the blood throughout the body and the other, the lymphatic system, carries

colorless fluid or lymph, which transports particularly large molecules such as cellular protein. When the lymphatic system is damaged and not able to circulate normally, fluid builds up in the tissue. This abnormal accumulation of fluid resulting in swelling is called lymphedema. While swelling from lymph fluid usually occurs in arms or legs, it can occur in the face, neck, breast or abdomen.

Our occupational therapists help with:

Manual lymph drainage (MLD), which is a specific massage skill to stimulate the lymphatic system

Lifestyle recommendations

Warning signs

Compression wrapping

Referrals to suppliers of compression garments and Reid Sleeves

Head & Neck Lymphedema

We also specialize in the treatment of head and neck lymphedema.

While some facilities treat the limbs, they do not treat head and neck lymphedema. We do. In fact, our therapists specialize in head and neck lymphedema, which can result following surgery, radiation or chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer.

At Baylor Plano, we’re different. Whether you are being treated for lymphedema of the head and neck or lymphedema in another area of your body, we equip you to manage this chronic illness, so you’ll rely less on us and more on you.

Our occupational therapists help with:

Manual lymph drainage (MLD), which is a specific massage skill to stimulate the lymphatic system

Lifestyle recommendations

Warning signs

Referrals to suppliers of compression garments and Reid Sleeves

Speech & Swallowing for Head & Neck Cancer patients

For oral, head and neck cancer patients, our certified speech-language pathologists are dedicated to therapeutic management and rehabilitation of speech, voice and swallowing disorders. They utilize VitalStim®, a device that applies electrical stimulation to strengthen muscles for swallowing.

Our speech-language pathologists treat:

A physician referral is required for both the Lymphedema program and the Head and Neck Lymphedema program at Baylor Plano. If you need a referral to a physician on the Baylor Plano medical staff, click here or call 1.800.4BAYLOR. To find out more about lymphedema therapy at Baylor Plano, call 469.814.2550.